Congratulations! You made it! You survived and excelled in your student teaching. You are now a science teacher! If you would, take a few minutes to share your wisdom about how to negotiate this difficult year with the students who are following in your footsteps by answering the following questions.
a. What are some things students should do in their fall practicum to make their student teaching go more smoothly?
Continue to go to your placement after the semester is over. Don't disappear after the last day of URI classes in december. Go to your placement at least weekly if not more until you start your student teaching. It will create a good impression and the students will know you better and be used to seeing you
b. What 430 topics/assignments should students make sure are addressed in detail to prepare them for student teaching?
None, just make sure to do them all
c. Help the next group of science education student teachers by completing the thought: "If I knew in September what I know now, I could have been better prepared for student teaching if I had ...."
Planned better. It is so important to plan your lessons a week or two ahead of time. I know it sounds ridiculous but if you have your two week outline your will you will be golden. This saved me during a critical point in my student teaching experience. My CT had a death in the family and was out for two weeks. Fortunately we had planned out two weeks ahead of time. It made the two weeks go smoothly and allowed me to adjust daily without feeling overwhelmed. As long as you keep with it and stay a head of the game you will love your student teaching experience. This is also why you should go to your placement up until the week you start. This way you will know exactly what is going on.
d. Are there other words of wisdom/encouragement that you want to share?
Even if you get a placement your are not crazy about or a CT you don't love, look at it as a challenge and not a road block. Keeping a positive attitude will help you get through this experience with grace and ease.
a. What are some things students should do in their fall practicum to make their student teaching go more smoothly?
Continue to go to your placement after the semester is over. Don't disappear after the last day of URI classes in december. Go to your placement at least weekly if not more until you start your student teaching. It will create a good impression and the students will know you better and be used to seeing you
b. What 430 topics/assignments should students make sure are addressed in detail to prepare them for student teaching?
None, just make sure to do them all
c. Help the next group of science education student teachers by completing the thought: "If I knew in September what I know now, I could have been better prepared for student teaching if I had ...."
Planned better. It is so important to plan your lessons a week or two ahead of time. I know it sounds ridiculous but if you have your two week outline your will you will be golden. This saved me during a critical point in my student teaching experience. My CT had a death in the family and was out for two weeks. Fortunately we had planned out two weeks ahead of time. It made the two weeks go smoothly and allowed me to adjust daily without feeling overwhelmed. As long as you keep with it and stay a head of the game you will love your student teaching experience. This is also why you should go to your placement up until the week you start. This way you will know exactly what is going on.
d. Are there other words of wisdom/encouragement that you want to share?
Even if you get a placement your are not crazy about or a CT you don't love, look at it as a challenge and not a road block. Keeping a positive attitude will help you get through this experience with grace and ease.